Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton Warns Israel Over Gaza Aid Delays

February 26, 2009 1:51 p.m. EST

Gaza City, Gaza (AHN) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized Israel for placing obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Ahead of Clinton's visit, special U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell is expected to issue a statement on the matter, saying, "Israel is not making enough effort to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza...the U.S. expects Israel to meet its commitments on this matter."

Although Israel admits a slight delay for the humanitarian aid, it said it was due in part to uncertainty over abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, but was working hard to improve the situation.

Defense department officials confirmed that pressure is mounting on Israel to reopen the crossings to larger volumes of aid for the Gaza Strip. Israel will find it increasingly difficult to counter the pressure, and may agree to more extensive use of the crossings for aid. Currently, fewer than 200 trucks carrying aid are allowed through daily, but the U.S., the EU and the UN are demanding that at least 500 trucks carrying aid be permitted entry daily.

Meanwhile, Palestinian sources warned last night that the American plan for a $900 million in reconstruction aid for the Gaza Strip will not have an effect without a cease-fire agreement with Israel.

Israel continues to refuse to allow the transfer of iron and cement into the Strip for security reasons, but Palestinian officials say it will be impossible to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure without the materials.